The loop route, which begins and ends inOrono, will see cyclists camping in the following host communities: Orono, Dover-Foxcroft, Belfast, Castine, Bar Harbor (two nights) and Camp Jordan (Ellsworth). A map of

Three times in the past three weeks I’ve have fallen hard on my rear end. And yet, I keep going back for more. Am I a masochist? Am I losing my mind? Nope, I’m in a beginner Derby Lite Class with a whole bunch of other women who just want to get some exercise that’s fun and different. Read more:

WinterKids will kick off the 2012-2013 winter season with Cooper Campbell Day, a fun, fast-paced, on-mountain event for kids and their families at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, ME from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th.

The festival—now in its fourth year—celebrates the life of Cooper Campbell, of Scarborough, who was killed by a drunk driver on the Maine Turnpike in April 2008. According to Steve Campbell, Cooper's father, fifteen-year-old Cooper was an avid skier and snowboarder who "enjoyed winter with his whole heart and lived by the words ‘live, love, listen, laugh, learn and leave a mark.'"

WinterKids and Shawnee Peak will help "leave a mark" for Cooper by bringing kids and families out on the slopes to learn and have fun together. Shawnee Peak has generously offered 75 pre-registered children and adults the chance to try skiing and snowboarding for the very first time, with free lessons, rentals, and lift tickets.

2012 marked the biggest year for park pass sales in the history of the 77-year-old state park system

Access to Maine’s storied state parks and the thousands of miles of trails and spectacular scenery they showcase makes a perfect holiday gift, and can be conveniently purchased online this season in the form of a Maine state park pass.

“Maine park passes are a gift that gives all year, and they offer lots of opportunities for fun and outdoor adventure in some of Maine’s most beautiful places,” said Will Harris, director of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Division of Maine Parks and Public Lands.